European Business Development Lead

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Aether. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Engineering the Future of Protein Innovation & Materials Science

Aether Biomachines is building the future of protein engineering with AI. Our proprietary Protein Function Model, Aetheron, unlocks entirely new classes of proteins that power breakthrough applications — from recycling plastics and breaking down “forever chemicals” to creating next‑generation materials that 3D print faster and stronger than anything on the market. With real‑world impact across aerospace, defense, clean energy, and beyond, Aether is where cutting‑edge science meets world‑changing opportunity.

We are a ~25 person Series A company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We’re hiring an experienced, strategic EU Business Development Lead to build Aether’s presence across the European aerospace, defense, and industrial ecosystem. This is our first dedicated EU area based hire.

You Will Develop Partnerships With Companies Operating In

• Aerospace & space systems (airframes, propulsion, composites, specialty materials)
• Defense & dual‑use technologies (prime contractors, R&D labs, integrators)
• Advanced manufacturing (additive manufacturing, high‑performance materials, precision engineering)
• Transportation
• Industrial and specialty chemicals
• Government innovation bodies and research institutes (e.g., DLR, Fraunhofer, ESA, ONERA)

Your role is a mix of strategic partnerships, deep technical engagement, and long‑cycle relationship building in highly regulated, engineering‑led environments.

This is a high‑autonomy, high‑judgment role requiring someone who has already navigated complex industrial procurement cycles and knows how to build trust with conservative technical buyers.

• Develop a strategic plan to expand Aether’s presence in European aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
• Map the EU ecosystem: primes, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, additive manufacturing OEMs, service bureaus, research agencies, defense innovation units, industrial conglomerates.
• Identify early commercial pathways where Aether’s materials capabilities drive step‑change performance.

• Lead partner engagements with A&D and industrial organizations across R&D, advanced materials groups, CTO offices, innovation labs, and engineering teams.
• Navigate long procurement cycles, qualification processes, and multi‑layered stakeholder environments.
• Structure collaborations, pilot projects, PoCs, joint development agreements, and multi‑year technical partnerships.

• Work closely with Aether’s scientists to define technical work streams and project scopes.
• Translate customer engineering challenges into internal problem statements.
• Assess feasibility, risks, and potential paths from prototype > qualification > deployment.

• Engage with EU and national agencies (ESA, DLR, CNES, ONERA, UK DSTL, Fraunhofer, etc.) to identify strategic partnership opportunities.
• Represent Aether in dual‑use and advanced materials consortiums and industry events.
• Track funding mechanisms, pilot programs, and government‑backed innovation pathways.

• Build and manage a robust pipeline across priority verticals.
• Provide structured feedback to leadership to inform product roadmap and technical investment areas.
• Be the on‑the‑ground extension of the US BD team — operating independently but collaboratively.

• 8-12+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, or commercial roles selling into:
  • Aerospace (commercial or defense)
  • Defense primes or subcontractors
  • Dual‑use or national security technology
  • Advanced manufacturing (AM, composites, high‑performance materials)
  • Industrial / specialty chemicals or engineered systems
• Demonstrated success in complex, multi‑stakeholder technical sales (12‑36+ month cycles).
• Strong familiarity with the EU aerospace/defense procurement and supplier…